Dean Anderson Quoted in Washington Post Blog on Redefining Rape

August 22, 2012

Dean Michelle J. Anderson is quoted in the Washington Post on how the definition of rape has evolved. Up until the 1960s, states required “force” or violence extrinsic to unwanted penetration and imposed unique legal hurdles for rape victims. “In those theories of practice, there was an expression of skepticism that rape is legitimate,” said Anderson. “To prove it actually happened, you needed to fulfill all those extra burdens.” Since then, however, many states have expanded the definition of rape by criminalizing nonconsensual sex and abolishing those legal hurdles. But House Republicans may be trying to turn back the clock on this progress.